About Ukrainian Roots Podcast

The Ukrainian Roots Podcast / Подкаст «Українське коріння» is dedicated to building a bridge between all Ukrainians – diaspora, displaced, and in Ukraine – and sharing our culture with the world. 

Almost as long as there have been Ukrainians, there have been forces seeking to erase us. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was not the first time that Moscovia has sought to annihilate Ukraine, Ukrainians, and Ukrainian language, history, and culture – nor was it the first time that Ukrainians have fought back with fire and grace.  

What the russian terrorist state has always failed to realise – and what Ukrainians have always known – is that the qualities that define us as a people make us immovable, impenetrable, and indefatigable. Courage. Dignity. Good humour. Work ethic. Community. Wit. Compassion. These are qualities that separate us from the invaders. These are qualities that bind us to each other, to which we hold tight during our darkest days, and what we mean when we say, “Be brave like Ukraine” and “Slava Ukraini.”  

The Ukrainian Roots Podcast / Подкаст «Українське коріння» is a celebration and exploration of what it means to be Ukrainian. The podcast is hosted by Ukrainian Canadian activist, community organiser, and award-winning journalist Sabrina Rani Furminger (YVR Screen Scene Podcast).

In the Ukrainian Roots Podcast / Подкаст «Українське коріння», the experienced interviewer combines her innate curiosity and passion for conversation with her interest in building that aforementioned bridge between diaspora Ukrainians, displaced Ukrainians, and Ukrainians in Ukraine.

“I come from a long line of Ukrainian Canadian activists, but it’s only been since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that I’ve realised that my skills as a journalist can serve our people,” says Sabrina, whose family –the Kiperchuks, Kostaszeks, Merchuks, and Krasnodanskas – built the Ukrainian Labour Temple in Lachine, Quebec in the first half of the 20th century. 

“I want Ukrainians to listen to this podcast and feel connected to Ukrainians all over the world. I want us to take pride in the qualities that define us as Ukrainians. And I want us to confront tough issues together: the erasure of our language; the perceived or actual gulf between diaspora Ukrainians, displaced Ukrainians, and Ukrainians in Ukraine; the impact that the war is having on our mental health; how artists are processing the war; the havoc that contemporary and intergenerational trauma wreaks on our bodies and relationships.”

Through in-depth conversations with Ukrainians all over the world on a range of fascinating and challenging topics, the Ukrainian Roots Podcast / Подкаст «Українське коріння» builds a bridge between Ukrainians in the diaspora, displaced Ukrainians, Ukrainians in Ukraine, and the ancient culture that sings in our blood. We also seek to foster understanding between Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians. 

“Our Ukrainianness is what separates us from those who seek to erase us,” says Sabrina. “Our Ukrainianness propels us forward.”

The first season of Ukrainian Roots Podcast / Подкаст «Українське коріння» launches in September 2025. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and everywhere you listen to podcasts.